Support

Answers to the most common questions. Still stuck? Write to hello@retracted.app.

How do I set it up?

Install Retracted and open it (iOS 27 required).
Follow the setup: tap to add the ready-made shortcut to the Shortcuts app.
Turn on the automation’s switch when asked.
Check that notification previews are on for your messaging apps (Settings › Notifications › Show Previews).

The home screen then shows whether capture is working. The in-app Setup Guide walks through each step again if needed.

Why does it need a shortcut?

iOS doesn’t let apps read your notifications. Since iOS 27, a Shortcuts automation can react to them — and only you can create and turn on that automation. Retracted gives you the shortcut ready to use; it forwards each messaging notification to the app, on your iPhone. Nothing goes through a server.

Which apps work?

Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage, Messenger and Telegram. Only Instagram signals when a message is unsent, so automatic “unsent” alerts are Instagram-only. For the other apps, if you see “This message was deleted”, open Retracted: the original text is in the contact’s thread. Snapchat isn’t supported.

Why wasn’t a message kept?

It arrived before you set up Retracted.
Notification previews were off, or the app’s notifications are disabled.
The conversation was open, so no notification was shown.
It was a photo, video or voice message (text only).
Many messages arrived within seconds — iOS may skip some.
The automation’s switch is off (check the Shortcuts app).

How do I restore my purchase?

In Retracted, open Settings › Restore Purchases, signed in with the same Apple Account used to buy. To manage or cancel a subscription: Settings › Manage Subscription in the app, or iPhone Settings › Apple Account › Subscriptions.

How do I delete my data?

Swipe to delete a single message, or use Settings › Delete All Messages to erase everything. You can also set how long messages are kept and exclude contacts. Uninstalling the app deletes all its data. To stop capturing, turn off the automation in the Shortcuts app. See the Privacy Policy.

Does anything leave my iPhone?

No. There’s no server and no account; purchases are handled by Apple. Your messages may be included in your own iCloud or computer backups, like any app data.